Female kifwebe" mask "kikashi" ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3046727

Description

wood, white and black pigment, plant fibre, beans/ seed capsules, net-like knotted plant fibre bonnet with magical appendage, abundant grass fibre beard

“Kifwebe” masks belong to the “bwadi bwa kifwebe” male society which is responsible for maintaining control, order and rule among the Songe people.

Present mask has a flat forehead crest, which proves her to be female. Female masks, called “kikashi”, represent positive powers and are mainly used at masquerades taking place at night, such as important lunar ceremonies, the investiture or the death of a ruler.